Ducklings eating pine shavings

pattka314

Hatching
6 Years
Sep 9, 2013
7
0
7
Chaffee, NY
Hello! I know this has been talked about before but I am new to ducklings being a part of my feathered family, I have had chicks for quite some time.
I read all about what a ducklings needs for its bedding and food and such, when we got them they were about a week old now about 2 weeks old. We use flake premium pine shavings from tractor supply and the dumor chick/duck starter feed. They seem to be doing well, happy, lovey, active and messy!
My concern is that although I know ducks will "taste" the pine shavings I have seen them eat them and I feel like they are not eating as much food as what they should be.
They are drinking a ton and pooping a TON! Should I be concerned or am I being an overly concerned new Mama?
Thanks for your feedback!
Mama of 4 khaki Campbells
 
I do not use shavings for ducklings or chicks due to the risk of impaction from eating the shavings since it can be fatal. I use washable shelf liners that also give them good traction so they don't get spraddle leg. My babies can eat spilled feed off the shelf liner without ingesting it and it does not get in their food and water either. I know alot of people use shavings but I don't recommend it.
 
My Runner babies did eat shavings, and I was so nervous about it I kept them on old towels.

At the same time, as Duck Drover says, many other folks use them apparently with no issues.

As for poop? Yah, buddy, they can process loads of food! The poo is excellent plant fertilizer.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom